Student and Family Handbook 2015-2016 Middle and High School Campus

MBTA Passes

Through BPS, the school provides an MBTA student bus pass to all eligible Middle and High School students. BPS determines student eligibility, but typically eligible middle school students live over 1.5 miles from the school and eligible HS students live over 2 miles from the school. MBTA student bus passes are valid only during the school year. Each eligible student will receive one bus pass for the entire year. Replacement passes may be issued for a fee of $5.00.

Charlie Cards
All students who rely on public transportation to get to and/or from school are eligible to get a Charlie Card from the school. The Charlie Card allows students to access public transportation at a discounted, student rate. To obtain a Charlie Card, students must complete a Charlie Card Request Form and deliver it to the Main Office. The school will issue one Charlie Card to the student for the year, which must be returned at the end of the school year. Students are responsible for maintaining the card throughout the year. In addition, students are responsible for loading money onto the card.
Students Who Walk
For students who have elected to walk to and from school, and for students who may be walking from MBTA T or bus stops, a number of streets must be crossed. Families should instruct students to use all of the appropriate crossing lights at each intersection, and to cross each intersection only when it is safe to do so within the designated crosswalks. Parents are urged to call the local Boston Police Department for questions or concerns regarding the presence of our crossing guard at the corner of Mayhew Street and Boston Street, as well as our crossing guard at the Sydney Street campus.
Students Who Drive
Students who drive to school may not park on Mayhew Street or in the school parking lot at any time on any day.

GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION

BCCS
TO CONTACT US
BCCS BCCS – Lower School

11 Mayhew Street 215 Sydney Street

Dorchester, MA 02125 Dorchester, MA 02125

Tel. [phone] Tel. [phone]

Fax [phone] Fax [phone]

www.bostoncollegiate.org www.bostoncollegiate.org

We are committed to establishing and maintaining open and respectful lines of communication between families and BCCS staff, each of whom has his/her own phone extension and e-mail address. Families should contact staff by telephone or e-mail and understand that we will try to return calls within 24-48 hours in the event that a message is left. Families will also have an opportunity to meet with staff during the three scheduled family conference days. In addition, meetings can be arranged at any time by appointment. If a parent needs to see a staff person more immediately, the parent should report directly to the appropriate Main Office, which will facilitate the soonest possible contact.
While we certainly welcome, encourage, and appreciate contact between families and teachers, we also ask that families be respectful of the enormous and constant demands made on all of our staff. For example, consistently contacting a faculty member several times per week can impact his or her ability to provide the best learning experience for all students. We encourage families to use the school’s advisory system by treating a student’s Advisor as the point person in order to coherently address or answer any questions.
SCHOOL DAY
There are three daily dismissals at BCCS. The first dismissal is at 3:00 PM (2:00 PM on Mondays) for students who completed all of the homework from the previous night, do not have to serve detention, and do not have required tutoring. The second dismissal is at 4:00 PM (3:00 PM on Mondays) for students who must serve Homework Support, detention, or required tutoring. The third dismissal is at 5:00 PM (4:00 PM on Mondays) for students who must serve two hours of Homework Support, detention, and/or required tutoring. (Please note, staggered dismissals, announcements, or other factors could add five to ten minutes to these times.)

STUDENT PHONE USE
Students may only use the Main Office phone during the school day for emergencies. The phones may not be used by students to arrange for delivery of any items, including signed progress reports, signed report cards, or missing homework assignments. Any phone other than a Main Office phone is prohibited for student use.

SCHOOL WEBSITE
Families should regularly check the school’s website at www.bostoncollegiate.org for recent news, updates, and upcoming events. If you have any suggestions for the website, please contact Bethany Guen, the school’s Director of Communications, at [e-mail]. In addition, we also urge families to regularly check with their children (and their book bags) to see if any notices have recently been distributed to bring home (including the bi-weekly newsletters).

SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH
Students may purchase breakfast at the school in the morning before school. The school’s breakfast program includes milk, fruit, and a variety of items such as bagels, muffins, or breakfast bars. The cost of breakfast is $1.65; students can prepay for breakfasts at the beginning of the year as well as during the year. Online payments via Payforit.net are preferred. Students eligible for free and reduced lunch are also eligible for free and reduced breakfast. Breakfast can also be ordered online.
Breakfast is served each day between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM. Students should get breakfast as they enter the building and proceed promptly to the early room. No breakfast will be served after 8:00 AM. Students eligible for free and reduced breakfast who arrive later than 7:45 AM due to BPS transportation will have a bagged breakfast waiting for them in the Main Office for pick-up on their way to Advisory.
For lunch, students may either purchase lunch and milk from the school or bring their own lunches from home. The school does not have its own cafeteria or kitchen, so we have meals delivered by Essence of Thyme each day. The regular price for lunch is $3.65 per meal.
Since school lunches are prepared off-site, the school must have an accurate number of meals that students wish to order and must place that order with the caterer one week in advance of the meal. Just before the start of each month, students will be given from their Advisor a menu for the following month, along with an order form and return envelope. Students are required to bring back the order and return it to their Advisor with payment in the envelope by Thursday of that same week. Online payments via Payforit.net are preferred. Due to the need to order the meals in advance, the school cannot accommodate last minute changes to the meal order. Individual lunches cost $3.65 and must be ordered on a monthly basis.
Lunch will be served each day to all students in their classrooms. Students are not allowed to leave their classroom during lunch without the permission of the supervising teacher. All students are required to be in their classroom for the last five minutes of the lunch period to assist with the full cleaning of that classroom in preparation for afternoon classes.
The school participates in the National School Lunch Program, which provides free or reduced price breakfasts and lunches as well as free milk to eligible students. At the beginning of the school year, each family will receive a table describing eligibility and an application to participate in the program. We urge families – regardless of whether they think will qualify – to return the form, as school funding decisions are made by the state depending on the totality of responses.
In order to foster responsibility in students, we encourage families – especially in grades 7-12 – not to bring in their child’s lunch if he or she has forgotten it. Rather, students who have forgotten their lunch are encouraged to access the school’s emergency lunch system. Parents are not encouraged to bring in purchased lunches from local establishments for their child.
In order to ensure that any student who occasionally comes to school without lunch has a nourishing meal, we provide “emergency” lunches. We record the names of students who access this option and will bill families at the end of every quarter.
It should be noted that many students consistently use the emergency lunch system when it is not necessary, leaving families with a large bill to pay for lunches. This is an abuse of the system and it creates a great financial burden for both families and the school. Please help us to get an accurate count in September of how many students will need the school lunch program on a regular basis. By controlling emergency lunch use we can save money. Always make it a priority to send your child to school with lunch if he or she does not participate in the school lunch program.

Any student who has an account outstanding at the end of the year will not receive the final report card until the account is paid in full.

MEDICAL RECORDS AND HEALTH SERVICES

 

Massachusetts state law requires all students enrolling in a new school to have a physical examination before entering the school. Before a student can enroll in the school, the school must have on file the following forms:

 

 Massachusetts School Health Record. This form contains records showing that the student has: 1) had a physical exam in the six months prior to the start of the school year; 2) up-to-date immunizations; and 3) had screening for vision, hearing, and scoliosis.

 

 Authorization for Dispensing Medication in School Form. If a child must receive medication during the school day, this form must contain the instructions and signature of the physician who ordered the medication and be signed by a parent or guardian.

 

 Physician Information Release Form. This form must be filled out and signed by a parent or guardian so that the school may contact a student’s physician in case of an emergency.

 

 Office/Health Emergency Card. This form provides important information about a student’s emergency contacts, health care providers, and insurance. Most importantly, it gives the school permission to initiate emergency medical treatment in the event that a parent or guardian cannot be reached. No student will be allowed to enter school without having this form on file.

Health Services

 

The school’s nurse or an appropriate designee will be at the school to administer medication to students who require it during the school day, and to provide counseling as needed on health-related issues, first aid to injured students, and care to ill students. Selected staff members are certified in Red Cross Standard First Aid and/or CPR. In addition, the school has access to a consultant with the Boston Public Health Commission who serves as an advisor to the school on selected medical matters.

 

If a student requires medication while in school, the school must have on file an Authorization for Dispensing Medication form, filled out by the student’s physician. No student is allowed to bring medication to the school without the nurse’s full knowledge. Students who have provided the school with medication dispensation authorization forms should bring the medication to the school on the first day or contact the school to make other arrangements.

 

This requirement applies to all medication, including Tylenol, aspirin, asthma inhalers and EpiPens. If a student needs to take Tylenol or aspirin during the school day, the student must have on file the authorization signed by his or her physician and a parent or guardian, giving the school permission to administer the medication during the school year. In addition, each day the student needs the medication, he or she must bring the medication and a note from a parent or guardian: 1) giving the school nurse permission to administer the Tylenol or aspirin, and 2) informing the nurse when the child was last given the Tylenol or aspirin. If such authorization is not on file, the parent or guardian of the student must come to the school to administer the Tylenol or aspirin directly. If a student needs to have an asthma inhaler or an EpiPen with him or her at school, the student must provide the school nurse with the order from his or her physician stating that the student needs to carry the inhaler/EpiPen. The order must also be signed by a parent or guardian, and the student must provide the nurse with a second inhaler/EpiPen that will be kept in the nurse’s office.

 

While the school nurse is responsible for supervising the school’s prescription medication administration program, the school has registered with the Department of Public Health a Board-approved plan that allows the delegation of the administration of medication to unlicensed school personnel under certain circumstances.

 

First Aid Provision and Medical Emergencies

 

Minor accidents, cuts, scrapes, and bruises will generally be treated at the school by the school nurse or by selected teachers and administrators. The school is not equipped to handle medical services beyond basic first aid. Injuries requiring more extensive treatment will be taken care of at New England Medical Center or the closest hospital. In the event that a child requires emergency medical care, a parent or guardian will be notified as soon as possible. If a parent, guardian, or other emergency contact cannot be reached, the school may need to initiate medical treatment. Thus, it is essential that we have on file each student’s Office/Health Emergency Card, which provides up-to-date contact information for parents and guardians, and which gives the school permission to initiate emergency medical treatment if a parent or guardian cannot be reached.

 

Health and Illness

 

The school requests that children do not come to school if they are ill. If school staff believes that a child needs to see a doctor, is contagious, increases the risk of illness to other children, or requires prolonged individual staff attention that interferes with the safety and regular functioning of the classroom, the school will contact families and ask them to pick up and take their child home. Parents will be contacted if a child has a moderate to high fever; is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea; shows signs of contagious diseases; and/or has an illness that prevents the child from participating in activities.

STUDENT RECORDS
(1) Standardized Testing
All students in grades 5-7 at BCCS are assessed using the Gate-MacGinitie Reading Test several times each year to track reading growth. Students in grade 8 take the Scholastic Reading Inventory.
In addition, as is required by the state, all students in grades 5-10 participate in either the Massachusetts Curriculum Assessment System or Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) exams administered in March, April, and May of each academic year.
From time to time, students may take other exams as well in order to measure their academic progress and may be asked to provide routine information.

2. 
   Student Records
   

1. 
   General
   

Federal and state laws provide parents and eligible students (those who are age 14 or older) with rights of confidentiality, access, and amendment relating to student records. Copies of the Massachusetts Student Records Regulations (“Regulations”), detailing these rights, are available in the Main Office. The following is a general overview of the provisions in the Regulations.

Access and Amendment: A parent or eligible student has a right to access student records and to seek their amendment if the parent or eligible student believes them to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. In order to obtain access or to seek amendment to student records, please contact the building Principal.
Confidentiality: Release of student records generally requires consent of the parent or eligible student. However, the Regulations provide certain exceptions. For example, staff members employed or under contract to the school have access to records as needed to perform their duties. BCCS also releases a student’s complete student record to authorized school personnel of a school to which a student seeks or intends to transfer without further notice to, or receipt of consent from, the eligible student or parent.
In addition, BCCS has a practice of releasing directory information, consisting of the following: the student’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, weight and height of the members of athletic teams, class, participation in recognized activities and sports, honors and awards, and post-high school plans. In the event a parent or eligible student objects to the release of any of the above information, the parent/eligible student may state that objection in writing to the school’s Director of Family and Community Relations. Absent receipt of a written objection, the directory information will be released without further notice or consent.
With few exceptions, information in a student’s record will not be released to a third party without the written consent of the eligible student and/or a parent having physical custody of a student under 18 years of age. Three notable exceptions are:

1. 
   Directory Information – a student’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, weight and height of members of athletic teams, class, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, degrees, honors and awards, and post-high school plans.
   
2. 
   Recruiting Information for the Armed Forces and Post-Secondary Educational Institutions – Upon request from military recruiters and/or representatives of post-secondary educational institutions, BCCS will provide the name, address, and telephone listing for all secondary students.
   
3. 
   Mail House Information – Upon request of a school district, BCCS will release the names and addresses of students to a third party mail house, unless the parent or eligible student objects to such release.
   

If an eligible student and/or parent do not want Directory, Recruiting, or Mail House Information released, they must so notify the Director of Family and Community Relations at BCCS, 11 Mayhew Street Dorchester, MA 02125 in writing. Otherwise, said information will be released.

Please see the Regulations for a description of other circumstances in which student records may be released without the consent of a parent or eligible student.

2. 
   Access by non-custodial parents
   

Massachusetts General Laws c. 71, §37H (“Section 37H”) governs access to student records by a parent who does not have physical custody of a student. Generally, Section 37H requires a non-custodial parent seeking access to a student record to submit a written request and other documentation to the Principal on an annual basis. Parents who have questions or concerns regarding access to records by non-custodial parents are requested to contact the building Principal for detailed information regarding the procedures that must be followed under Section 37H.

Parents and eligible students have a right to file a complaint concerning alleged failures by a school district to comply with the requirements of the student records laws and regulations with the Massachusetts Department of Education, 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Complaints relative to federal statutes and regulations governing student records may be filed with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington DC.

NONDISCRIMINATION
Boston Collegiate Charter School (“BCCS”) does not discriminate in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its services, programs, and activities, on the basis of race, color or national origin, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI); on the basis of sex, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; on the basis of disability, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); on the basis of age, in accordance with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1974 (ADEA); or any other protected status as required by state or federal law, including homelessness. In addition, no person shall be discriminated against in admission to BCCS on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, ancestry, athletic performance, special need, proficiency in the English language or a foreign language, homelessness, or prior academic achievement, as required by M.G.L. c. 71, §89(l); 603 CMR 1.06(1). No person shall be discriminated against in obtaining the advantages, privileges, or access to the courses of study offered by BCCS on the basis of race, sex, color, gender identity, religion, national origin, homelessness, or sexual orientation as required by M.G.L. c. 76, § 5. Finally, pregnant students are allowed to remain in regular education classes and participate in extracurricular activities with non-pregnant students throughout their pregnancy, and after giving birth are permitted to return to the same academic and extracurricular program as before the leave (Title IX).
HARASSMENT
BCCS is committed to maintaining a school environment free of harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, homelessness, disability, or any other protected status as required by state or federal law. Harassment by administrators, certified and support personnel, students, vendors and other individuals at school or at school-sponsored events is unlawful and is strictly prohibited. BCCS requires all employees and students to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with respect to their fellow employees, students and all members of the school community.
Definition of Harassment
In General. Harassment includes communications such as jokes, comments, innuendoes, notes, display of pictures or symbols, gestures, or other conduct that offends or shows disrespect to others based upon race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, homelessness, disability, or any other protected status as required by state or federal law.
By law, what constitutes harassment is determined from the perspective of a reasonable person with the characteristic on which the harassment is based. What one person may consider acceptable behavior may reasonably be viewed as harassment by another person. Therefore, individuals should consider how their words and actions might reasonably be viewed by other individuals. It is also important for individuals to make it clear to others when a particular behavior or communication is unwelcome, intimidating, hostile, or offensive.
Sexual Harassment. While all types of harassment are prohibited, sexual harassment requires particular attention. Sexual harassment includes sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

1. 
   Acceptance of or submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or education.
   
2. 
   The individual's response to such conduct is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting an employee or as a basis for educational, disciplinary, or other decisions affecting a student.
   
3. 
   Such conduct interferes with an individual's job duties, education or participation in extra-curricular activities.
   
4. 
   The conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or school environment.
   

Harassment and Retaliation Prohibited
Harassment in any form or for any reason is absolutely forbidden. This includes harassment by administrators, certified and support personnel, students, vendors and other individuals in school or at school related events. In addition, retaliation against any individual who has brought harassment or other inappropriate behavior to the attention of the school or who has cooperated in an investigation of a complaint under this policy is unlawful and will not be tolerated by BCCS.
Persons who engage in harassment or retaliation may be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to reprimand, suspension, termination/expulsion or other sanctions as determined by the school administration and/or Board of Trustees, subject to applicable procedural requirements.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Where to File a Complaint.
Any student or employee who believes that BCCS has discriminated against or harassed her/him because of her/his race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity , homelessness, disability, or any other protected status under state or federal law in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its services, programs, and activities may file a complaint with the High School Principal, Middle School Principal, or Lower School Principal. If the Principal is the person who is alleged to have caused the discrimination or harassment, the complaint may be filed with the Executive Director. These individuals are listed below and are hereinafter referred to as “Grievance Administrators.”
Lower, Middle, or High School Principal

Executive Director

BCCS

11 Mayhew Street

Dorchester, MA 02125

617-265-1172

Complaints of harassment by peers: In the event the complaint consists of a student's allegation that another student is harassing him/her based upon the above-referenced classifications, the student may, in the alternative, file the complaint with the complaint manager (hereinafter referred to as “Building Complaint Manager”), the Dean of Students.
Complaints of discrimination based upon disability: A person who alleges discrimination on the basis of disability relative to the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a person, who because of a handicap needs or is believed to need special instruction or related services, pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and/or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, must use the procedure outlined in the Massachusetts Department of Education’s Parents’ Rights Brochure rather than this Grievance Procedure.

A copy of the brochure is available from the following individuals:

Lower, Middle, or High School Principal

BCCS

11 Mayhew Street

Dorchester, MA 02125

617-265-1172
A person with a complaint involving discrimination on the basis of a disability other than that described above may either use this Grievance Procedure or file the complaint with the U.S. Department of Education at the address provided at the end of this Grievance Procedure.
II. Contents of Complaints and Timelines for Filing.
Complaints under this Grievance Procedure must be filed within 30 school days of the alleged discrimination. The complaint must be in writing. The Grievance Administrator or any person of the grievant’s choosing may assist the grievant with filing the complaint. The written complaint must include the following information:

1. 
   The name and school (or address and telephone number if not a student or employee) of the grievant.
   
2. 
   The name (and address and telephone number if not a student or employee) of the grievant representative, if any.
   
3. 
   The name of the person(s) alleged to have caused the discrimination or harassment (respondent).
   
4. 
   A description, in as much detail as possible, of the alleged discrimination or harassment.
   
5. 
   The date(s) of the alleged discrimination or harassment.
   
6. 
   The name of all persons who have knowledge about the alleged discrimination or harassment (witnesses), as can be reasonably determined.
   
7. 
   A description, in as much detail as possible, of how the grievant wants the complaint to be resolved.
   

III. Investigation and Resolution of the Complaint.

Respondents will be informed of the charges as soon as the Grievance Administrator deems appropriate based upon the nature of the allegations, the investigation required, and the action contemplated.
The Grievance Administrator will interview witnesses whom s/he deems necessary and appropriate to determine the facts relevant to the complaint, and will gather other relevant information. Such interviews and gathering of information will be completed within fifteen (15) school days of receiving the complaint.
Within twenty (20) school days of receiving the complaint, the Grievance Administrator will meet with the grievant and/or her/his representative to review the information gathered and, if applicable, to propose a resolution designed to stop the discrimination or harassment and to correct its effect. Within ten (10) school days of the meeting with the grievant and/or representative, the Grievance Administrator will provide written disposition of the complaint to the grievant and/or representative and to the respondent(s).
Notwithstanding the above, it is understood that in the event a resolution contemplated by BCCS involves disciplinary action against an employee or a student, the complainant will not be informed of such disciplinary action, unless it directly involves the complainant (i.e., a directive to “stay away” from the complainant, as might occur as a result of a complaint of harassment).
Any disciplinary action imposed upon an employee or student is subject to applicable procedural requirements.
All the time lines specified above will be implemented as specified, unless the nature of the investigation or exigent circumstances prevent such implementation, in which case, the matter will be completed as quickly as practicable. If the time lines specified above are not met, the reason(s) for not meeting them must be clearly documented. In addition, it should be noted that in the event the respondent is subject to a collective bargaining agreement which sets forth a specific time line for notice and/or investigation of a complaint, such time lines will be followed.
Confidentiality of grievant/respondents and witnesses will be maintained, to the extent consistent with BCCS’s obligations relating to investigation of complaints and the due process rights of individuals affected.
Retaliation against someone because he/she has filed a complaint under this Grievance Procedure is strictly prohibited. Acts of retaliation may result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion/discharge.
IV. Appeals
If the grievant is not satisfied with a disposition by a Grievance Administrator, the grievant may appeal the disposition to the Board of Trustees, as follows:
Chairperson, Board of Trustees

BCCS

11 Mayhew Street

Dorchester, MA 02125

617-265-1172
The Board of Trustees will issue a written response on the appeal to the grievant within ten (10) school days of receiving the appeal.
Generally, a grievant may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, JW McCormack POCH, Boston, Massachusetts 02109-4557, telephone [phone], TTY [phone] as follows:

1. 
   within 180 calendar days of alleged discrimination of harassment, or
   
2. 
   within 60 calendar days of receiving notice of BCCS’s final disposition on a complaint filed through BCCS, or
   
3. 
   within 60 calendar days of receiving a final decision by the Massachusetts Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education Appeals, or
   
4. 
   instead of filing a complaint with BCCS.
   

HAZING
Massachusetts Anti-Hazing Law
M.G.L. c. 269, Section 17. Hazing; organizing or participating; hazing defined.
Section 17. Whoever is a Principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment.
The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action. (Amended by 1987, 665.)
M.G.L. c. 269, Section 18. Failure to report hazing.
Section 18. Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars. (Amended by 1987, 665.)
M.G.L. c. 269, Section 19. Copy of secs. 17--19; issuance to students and student groups, teams and organizations; report.
Section 19. Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of post secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team, or student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities, or is known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team, or student organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an institution’s compliance with this section’s requirements that an institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution’s recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations.
Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team, or organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually to the institution an attested acknowledgement stating that such group, team, or organization has received a copy of this section and said sections seventeen and eighteen, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of sections seventeen and eighteen, and that such group, team, or organization understands and agrees to comply with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.
Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post-secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as a full-time student in such institution a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.
Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post-secondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the board of higher education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams, or organizations and to notify each full time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that said institution has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution's policies to its students. The board of higher education and, in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution which fails to make such report. (Amended by 1987, 665.)

TITLE IX, SECTION 504, and TITLE II COMPLIANCE
Sarah Siegel Muncey, Director of Family and Community Relations, Nadia Cyprien, Director of Student Support, and Peter Ferrara, High School Dean of Students, coordinate BCCS’s compliance under Title IX, Section 504, and Title II. They can be contacted at:
Sarah Muncey: 617-265-1172, x244 or at [e-mail]

Nadia Cyprien, 617-265-1172, x328 or at [e-mail]

Peter Ferrara, 617-265-1172, x249 or at [e-mail]
Copies of BCCS’s Grievance Procedures and complaint forms can be found at the main offices and with each of the Civil Rights Coordinators:
Lower School: 215 Sydney Street, Dorchester, MA 02125, [phone]

Middle and High School: 11 Mayhew Street, Dorchester, MA 02125

NCLB, SCHOOL REPORT CARDS, AND HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is federal legislation enacted with the goal of all students reaching academic proficiency by 2014 and all students being taught by a Highly Qualified teacher by 2006. As part of that goal, schools are required to issue to parents an annual report card that specifies the school’s mission, indicates the demographic breakdown of its student body, presents their performance on standardized exams such as MCAS, and specifies the percentage of Highly Qualified teachers as defined by NCLB. Parents can request in writing to the Principal the educational credentials and licensure of any of their students’ teachers. A list of our teachers with their educational credentials and professional backgrounds is published on our website at www.bostoncollegiate.org.

BCCS ADMITTANCE POLICY TO NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
According to its National Constitution, the purpose of the National Honor Society is to “create enthusiasm for Scholarship, stimulate a desire to render Service, to promote Leadership, and to develop Character.”
Students are admitted into the BCCS chapter of the National Honor Society under the following guidelines:

1. 
   Student must be at least a second semester sophomore;
   
2. 
   Student must have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.00 (85%) or higher and;
   
3. 
   Student must regularly demonstrate the qualities of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character.
   

Once students meet the first two requirements, they are asked to complete a Student Activity Information Form that details their service and leadership activities. Faculty council members review this form and, along with their personal knowledge of students, tally a checklist of 25 items. If a student meets 17 of the 25 items, then that student gains admittance into the BCCS Chapter of the National Honor Society.

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
I. Acceptable Use

Internet use provides valuable opportunities for research, curriculum support, and career development. BCCS offers Internet access to its students and staff. The primary purpose of providing access to the Internet is to support the educational mission of BCCS. BCCS expects that students and staff will use this access in a manner consistent with this purpose.

While the Internet is a tremendous resource for electronic information, it has the potential for abuse. BCCS makes no guarantees, implied or otherwise, regarding the factual reliability of data available over the Internet. Users of BCCS’s Internet service assume full responsibility for any costs, liabilities, or damages arising from the way they choose to use their access to the Internet. BCCS has installed special filtering software in an effort to block access to material that is not appropriate for children.
The Internet also allows for easy communication between individuals and groups, and therefore allows for quick and efficient communication between school and home. Families are encouraged to contact teachers via e-mail to set up appointments to discuss any student or school issues, or to ask brief questions, but should not use e-mail for extended conversations. Students should not contact teachers or other school staff directly through e-mail, but rather should speak to the teacher in school or, if necessary, ask for their parent’s assistance with e-mail if such contact is appropriate. All components of the Code of Conduct and any resulting disciplinary procedures are applicable to e-mail communication from a student to a teacher or any other school staff.
The school maintains computers to which students have access under adult supervision during designated times after school. Students are not allowed to bring discs from home into school to print materials, and should not assume access to the computer lab outside of the lab’s supervised hours.
II. Unacceptable Use
The following is a list of prohibited behaviors. The list is not exhaustive but illustrates unacceptable uses of BCCS’s Internet Service:

• 
  accessing personal e-mail correspondence or social networking sites
  
• 
  accessing websites during class other than those identified by the teacher as appropriate for class
  
• 
  disclosing, using, or disseminating personal identification information about self or others
  
• 
  accessing, sending or forwarding materials or communications that are defamatory, pornographic, obscene, sexually explicit, threatening, harassing, or illegal
  
• 
  using the Internet service for any illegal activities such as gaining unauthorized access to other systems, arranging for the sale or purchase of drugs or alcohol, participating in criminal gang activity, threatening others, transferring obscene material, or attempting to do any of the above
  
• 
  using the Internet service to receive or send information relating to dangerous instruments such as bombs or other explosive devices, automatic weapons or other firearms, or other weaponry
  
• 
  vandalizing school computers by causing physical damage, reconfiguring the computer system, attempting to disrupt the computer system, or destroying data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means
  
• 
  copying or downloading of copyrighted material without authorization from the copyright holder, unless the copies are used for teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research. Users shall not copy and forward or copy and upload any copyrighted material without prior approval of the Computer Teacher or Principals
  
• 
  plagiarizing material obtained from the Internet. Any material obtained from the Internet and included in one’s own work must be cited and credited by name or by electronic address or path on the Internet. Information obtained through e-mail or news sources must also be credited as to sources
  
• 
  using the Internet service for commercial purposes
  
• 
  downloading or installing any commercial software, shareware, freeware, or similar types of material onto network drives or disks without prior permission of the Computer Teacher
  
• 
  overriding the Internet filtering software.
  

III. Personal Electronic Devices
By special permission by the classroom teacher and Principal, a student at BCCS may be allowed to use personal electronic devices (such as a digital reading device or laptop) under the following conditions:

• 
  BCCS will not be held liable for any and all damage and/or theft that may occur. Families choose to allow their student to bring in the device at their own risk
  
• 
  Students comply with all aspects of BCCS’s Acceptable Use Policy.
  

IV. Social Networking Sites

BCCS students who use social networking sites have a responsibility to maintain a safe, courteous learning environment for all in the building. Inappropriate use of social networking sites to bully other students, or to spread false information about students or teachers, even if this takes place outside of school on personal computers or phones, may be cause for disciplinary action, in accordance with M.G.L.c.71 ~ 370.
V. Safety Issues
Use of the Internet has potential dangers. Users are encouraged to read two brochures regarding Internet safety that the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office has prepared. The brochures are entitled The Internet, Your Child and You: What Every Parent Should Know and Internet Safety: Advice from Kids Who Have Faced Danger Online. Copies of these brochures are available on the Internet at:

http://www.aps1.net/DocumentCenter/Home/View/448 http://www.aps1.net/DocumentCenter/Home/View/447

The following are basic safety rules pertaining to all types of Internet applications.

• 
  Never reveal any identifying information such as last names, ages, addresses, phone numbers, parents’ names, parents’ employers or work addresses, or photographs
  
• 
  Use the “back” key whenever you encounter a site that you believe is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable
  
• 
  Immediately tell the Director of Technology if you receive a message that you believe is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable
  
• 
  Never share your password or use another person’s password. Internet passwords are provided for each user’s personal use only. If you suspect that someone has discovered your password, you should change it immediately and notify the Director of Technology.
  

VI. Privacy

Users should not have an expectation of privacy or confidentiality in the content of electronic communications or other computer files sent and received on the school computer network or stored in the user’s directory or on a disk drive. BCCS reserves the right to examine all data stored on diskettes involved in the user’s use of BCCS’s Internet service.
Internet messages are public communication and are not private. All communications including text and images may be disclosed to law enforcement or other third parties without prior consent of the sender or the receiver. Network administrators may review communications to maintain integrity system-wide and ensure that users are using the system responsibly.
VII. Violations
Access to BCCS’s Internet service is a privilege, not a right. BCCS reserves the right to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user privileges and/or to take other disciplinary action, up to and including suspension, expulsion (students), or dismissal (staff) for violations of this policy. The school will advise appropriate law enforcement agencies of illegal activities conducted through BCCS’s Internet service. The school also will cooperate fully with local, state, and/or federal officials in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted through the service.

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

BCCS
I

have received and read a copy of BCCS’s Student and Family Handbook and understand the rules, regulations, and procedures of the school.^* I understand that this Handbook is updated each school year and that I can obtain an updated version each year by contacting any of the school’s main offices. I understand that if I ever have any questions regarding school policies, I can always ask my parent or guardian or other member of the school community for a further explanation.

________________________________ ____________________________________

Student Name Parent/Guardian Name

________________________________ ____________________________________

Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature
Student’s Grade:

_________________________________ ____________________________________

Date Date


^*Beginning on Tuesday, September 8, 2015, no student will be allowed to attend class if a current signed copy of the Statement of Understanding has not been returned to the school. If a family has more than one child attending the school, a separate Statement of Understanding must be returned for each child.
We thank you for your cooperation and wish you the very best for the new school year.

APPENDIX A

SHORT TERM AND/OR LONG TERM SUSPENSION PURSUANT TO M.G.L. CH. 71, §37H ¾
Due Process
I. In-School Suspension. An in-school suspension is a removal of a student from regular classroom activities, but not from the school premises. The procedure for an in-school suspension of no more than (10) school days (consecutive or cumulatively for multiple infractions during the school year) will be as follows:

1. 
   The administrator will inform the student of the disciplinary offense charged, the basis for the charge, and provide the student an opportunity to respond. If the administrator determines that the student committed the disciplinary offense, the administrator will inform the student of the length of the student’s in-school suspension, which may not exceed 10 days, cumulatively or consecutively, in a school year.
   
   
   
2. 
   On the same day as the in-school suspension decision, the administrator will make reasonable efforts to notify the parent orally of the disciplinary offense, the reasons for concluding that the student committed the infraction, and the length of the in-school suspension. The administrator will also invite the parent to a meeting to discuss the student’s academic performance and behavior, strategies for student engagement, and possible responses to the behavior. Such meeting will be scheduled on the day of the suspension if possible, and if not, as soon thereafter as possible. If the administrator is unable to reach the parent after making and documenting at least two (2) attempts to do so, such attempts will constitute reasonable efforts for purposes of orally informing the parent of the in-school suspension.
   
   
   
3. 
   The administrator will send written notice to the student and parent about the in-school suspension, including the reason and the length of the in-school suspension, and inviting the parent to a meeting with the Principal for the purpose set forth above, if such meeting has not already occurred. The administrator will deliver such notice on the day of the suspension by hand-delivery, certified mail, first-class mail, email to an address provided by the parent for school communications, or by other method of delivery agreed to by the administrator and the parent.
   

An in-school suspension of more than 10 cumulative days in a school year will be subject to the procedures for long-term suspension found at page 14.

II. Short Term, Out-of-School Suspension. Except in the case of an Emergency Removal (see page 14), prior to imposing a short term out-of-school suspension (10 days or less in a school year) for conduct not covered by M.G.L. c. 71, §37H and 37H ½, an administrator will provide the student and his/her parent oral and written notice and an opportunity to participate in an informal hearing.
1. Notice: The written notice to the student and the parent will be in English and in the primary language of the home if other than English, or other means of communication where appropriate and will include the following:

1. 
   the disciplinary offense
   
2. 
   the basis for the charge
   
3. 
   the potential consequences, including the potential length of the student’s suspension
   
4. 
   the opportunity for the student to have a hearing with the administrator concerning the proposed suspension, including the opportunity to dispute the charges and to present the student’s explanation of the alleged incident, and for the parent to attend the hearing
   
5. 
   the date, time, and location of the hearing
   
6. 
   the right of the student and the student’s parent to interpreter services at the hearing if needed to participate.
   
   
   

Written notice to the parent may be made by hand delivery, first-class mail, certified mail, email to an address provided by the parent for school communications, or any other method of delivery agreed to by the school and parent.
2. Efforts to Involve Parent: The administrator will make reasonable efforts to notify the parent of the opportunity to attend the hearing. To conduct a hearing without the parent present, the administrator must be able to document reasonable efforts to include the parent. The administrator is presumed to have made reasonable efforts if the administrator has sent written notice and has documented at least two (2) attempts to contact the parent in the manner specified by the parent for emergency notification.
3. Format of Hearing: The administrator will discuss the disciplinary offense, the basis for the charge, and any other pertinent information. The student also will have an opportunity to present information, including mitigating facts, that the administrator should consider in determining whether other remedies and consequences may be appropriate. The administrator will provide the parent, if present, an opportunity to discuss the student’s conduct and offer information, including mitigating circumstances, that the administrator should consider in determining consequences for the student.
4. Decision: The administrator will provide written notice to the student and parent of his/her determination and the reasons for it, and, if the student is suspended, the type and duration of suspension and the opportunity to make up assignments and such other school work as needed to make academic progress during the period of removal. The notice of determination may be in the form of an update to the original written notice of hearing.

III. Long Term Suspension

Except in the case of an Emergency Removal provided on page 14, prior to imposing a long-term suspension (more than 10 days of suspension, whether in-school or out-of-school, whether consecutive or cumulative for multiple offenses during a school year), an administrator will follow the procedures for short-term suspension plus additional procedures as follows:
1. Notice: The notice will include all of the components for a short-term suspension in Section II above, plus the following:

1. 
   In advance of the hearing, the opportunity to review the student’s record and the documents upon which the administrator may rely in making a determination to suspend the student or not
   
2. 
   the right to be represented by counsel or a lay person of the student’s choice, at the
   

student’s/parent’s expense

3. 
   the right to produce witnesses on his or her behalf and to present the student’s explanation of the
   

alleged incident, but the student may not be compelled to do so

4. 
   the right to cross-examine witnesses presented by the school district
   
5. 
   right to request that the hearing be recorded by the administrator, and a copy of the audio recording
   provided to the student or parent upon request
   
6. 
   the right to appeal administrator’s decision to impose long-term suspension to the Executive Director.
   

2. Format of Hearing: The Hearing will afford the rights set forth in the notice above. The administrator will also provide the parent, if present, an opportunity to discuss the student’s conduct and offer information, including mitigating circumstances, that the administrator should consider in determining consequences for the student.
3. Decision: Based on the evidence, the administrator will determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense, and, if so, after considering mitigating circumstances and alternatives to long-term suspension, what remedy or consequence will be imposed, in place of or in addition to a long-term suspension. The administrator will send the written determination to the student and parent by hand-delivery, certified mail, first-class mail, email to an address provided by the parent for school communications, or any other method of delivery agreed to by the school and the parent. If the administrator decides to suspend the student on a long-term basis, the written determination will:

1. 
   Identify the disciplinary offense, the date on which the hearing took place, and the participants at the hearing
   
2. 
   Set out the key facts and conclusions reached
   
3. 
   Identify the length and effective date of the suspension, as well as a date of return to school
   
4. 
   Include notice of the student’s opportunity to receive education services to make academic progress during the period of removal from school (if more than 10 cumulative days)
   
5. 
   the student of the right to appeal the administrator’s decision to the Executive Director or designee. Notice of the right of appeal will be in English and the primary language of the home if other than English, or other means of communication where appropriate, and will include the following information stated in plain language:
   
   • 
     the process for appealing the decision, including that the student or parent must file a written notice of appeal with the Executive Director within five (5) calendar days of the effective date of the long-term suspension; provided that within the five (5) calendar days, the student or parent may request and receive from the Executive Director an extension of time for filing the written notice for up to seven (7) additional calendar days
     
   • 
     the long-term suspension will remain in effect unless and until the Executive Director decides to reverse the administrator’s determination on appeal.
     

No long-term suspension will extend beyond the end of the school year in which such suspension is imposed.

APPEAL TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
If a decision by an administrator, following the parent meeting, results in suspension of a student for more than 10 cumulative school days for the school year, the student may appeal the decision to the Executive Director. In order to do so the student or parent must file a notice of appeal with the Executive Director within five (5) calendar days with a seven (7) day postponement option. The Executive Director must hold the hearing within three (3) school days of the student’s request, unless the student or parent requests an extension of up to seven (7) additional calendar days. If the appeal is not filed within this time frame, the Executive Director may deny the appeal, or may allow the appeal in his or her discretion, for good cause.
The following apply:

• 
  The Executive Director will make a good faith effort to include the parent in the hearing. The Executive Director will be presumed to have made a good faith effort if he or she has made efforts to find a day and time for the hearing that would allow the parent and Executive Director to participate. The Executive Director will send written notice to the parent of the date, time, and location of the hearing.
  
• 
  The Executive Director will conduct a hearing to determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense of which the student is accused, and if so, what the consequence will be. The Executive Director will arrange for an audio recording of the hearing, a copy of which will be provided to the student or parent upon request. The Executive Director will inform all participants before the hearing that an audio record will be made of the hearing and a copy will be provided to the student and parent upon request.
  
• 
  The student will have all the rights afforded the student at the administrator’s hearing for long-term suspension as described in Section III above.
  
• 
  The Executive Director will issue a written decision within five (5) calendar days of the hearing which meets the requirements for a long-term suspension as described in Section III above. If the Executive Director determines that the student committed the disciplinary offense, the Executive Director may impose the same or a lesser consequence than the administrator, but will not impose a suspension greater than that imposed by the administrator’s decision.
  

The decision of the Executive Director constitutes the final decision of the school district.

LONG TERM SUSPENSION AND/OREXPULSION BY THE PRINCIPAL PURSUANT TO M.G.L. CH. 71, §37H AND 37H½
Any student that is subject to possible expulsion has the right to due process under Massachusetts General Law chapter 71 section 37H and 37H 1/2 as follows: